The Life She Was Given

De: Ellen Marie Wiseman

Narrado por: Lori Gardner

Duración: 13 h y 9 m

Resumen del Editor

From acclaimed author Ellen Marie Wiseman comes a vivid, daring novel about the devastating power of family secrets - beginning in the poignant, lurid world of a Depression-era traveling circus and coming full circle in the transformative 1950s.

On a summer evening in 1931, Lilly Blackwood glimpses circus lights from the grimy window of her attic bedroom. Lilly isn't allowed to explore the meadows around Blackwood Manor. She's never even ventured beyond her narrow room. Momma insists it's for Lilly's own protection, that people would be afraid if they saw her. But on this unforgettable night, Lilly is taken outside for the first time - and sold to the circus sideshow.

More than two decades later, 19-year-old Julia Blackwood has inherited her parents' estate and horse farm. For Julia, home was an unhappy place full of strict rules and forbidden rooms, and she hopes that returning might erase those painful memories. Instead, she becomes immersed in a mystery involving a hidden attic room and photos of circus scenes featuring a striking young girl.

At first The Barlow Brothers' Circus is just another prison for Lilly. But in this ragtag, sometimes brutal world, Lilly discovers strength, friendship, and a rare affinity for animals. Soon, thanks to elephants Pepper and JoJo and their handler, Cole, Lilly is no longer a sideshow spectacle but the circus' biggest attraction...until tragedy and cruelty collide.

It will fall to Julia to learn the truth about Lilly's fate and her family's shocking betrayal and find a way to make Blackwood Manor into a place of healing at last. Moving between Julia's and Lilly's stories, Ellen Marie Wiseman portrays two extraordinary, very different women in a novel that, while tender and heartbreaking, offers moments of joy and indomitable hope.

©2017 Ellen Marie Wiseman (P)2017 Recorded Books

Excrutiating animal torture

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

If you love animals don't read this book. I was really engaged until the latter third when the descriptions of animal cruelty grew to be a bit too much for me. I had to stop listening from time to time because it was so depressing. While this may be based on historical truth I think that the author didn't need to go into so much detail - I got the idea! The minute detail really seemed a bit gratuitous. I fully understood that the Lily had a difficult life without the long dragged out death of a dear companion.

Fantastically Woven Story

If you could sum up The Life She Was Given in three words, what would they be?

Couldn't stop listening!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Life She Was Given?

The ending.

Which character – as performed by Lori Gardner – was your favorite?

Julia and Lilly were both strong characters, but Julia was oddly my favorite because she over came obstacles of her upbringing to transform into a strong, generous, caring hero.

Who was the most memorable character of The Life She Was Given and why?

Lilly's strange and tragic life made for a most memorable character.

Any additional comments?

This story is amazing. It was a story woven fantastically between the two main characters and actually kept me guessing the whole time. I could not stop listening. It made me laugh, it made me cry and it made me think. It was a truly heart felt story that had me caught up in it until the very end!

Incredible Story

This is an excellent, excellent story and narration. I was sorry to see it end and, as the author intended, left me wondering, just like the protagonist, about what happened and how did the characters get to where they ended up...or did they?

Excellent!

Very powerful book about the obstacles we face and growing and triumphing in spite of extreme hardships.

Wow but sad

I loved this book. It was sad and haunting. It will stay with you a good long while.

Heartwarming

Wonderful story about family, nature, animals and being different. I loved every minute of it.

Sad

Well narrated, but story line was too depressing, I needed a happy ending this read

Excellent book

While written well narrated a great story what a wonderful book and a wonderful story enjoyed every minute. Thank you.

Loved this book

The story was so well done and I couldn’t stop listening! The twist kept me wondering till the end! And it was a shock!

Wow

I have no idea how I feel. Angry, sad, hopeful? The treatment of children and animals is horrendous. The ending was very bittersweet. Not sure I'd recommend if you have a big heart. I'm still processing.